By the Faithful Disciple
GROW AS A DISCIPLE
How often does ambition get in the way of holiness? In today’s Gospel, Jesus foretells his death, and the Apostles respond by arguing over who among them is most important. But the Apostles’ aspirations and motivation stand in stark contrast to the humility necessary for discipleship; their lack of understanding signals a need for instruction. “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all,” Jesus explains. Those who follow him are to be humble peacemakers who serve others instead of seeking power and accolades. We are to model Jesus, who humbled himself to the point of death on a cross! (Cf., Phil 2:8) Having goals and ambitions is not a bad thing, but they must grow from the seeds of virtue (humility, charity, faith, and hope) rather than as spores of sin (pride, opportunism, and greed). As James wrote in our second reading, “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits.” Seeking to serve, rather than be served, then, is the hallmark of faith well-lived.